Overdose Data to Action: Harm Reduction

In 2022, CDC reported the number of fatal overdoses In the United States rose to more 100,000. State and territorial health agencies are continuing to address the opioid epidemic and work with legislators to support layered intervention strategies based in harm reduction approaches that emphasize prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion. Many jurisdictions are considering support for layered intervention strategies such as utilization and distribution of naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and establishing overdose prevention centers.

This cross-sectional dataset reviews all 50 states, District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories’ statutes and regulations related to community distribution of opioid antagonists, fentanyl test strips, and establishing overdose prevention centers as of January 1, 2023. The map identifies (1) authorization of fentanyl test strip possession, distribution, and liability, (2) naloxone liability for laypeople and distributors, as well as support for bulk purchasing, and (3) authorization of overdose prevention centers, their requirements for establishment, and the types of services provided. A separate dataset that focuses on overdose prevention center legislation is available on LawAtlas.org (see Overdose Data to Action: Overdose Prevention Center Legislation).

This publication was created by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials as part of the cooperative agreement funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A).

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